Strip uncoiling device

ABSTRACT

A strip uncoiling device for a strip formed in a coil and having a separated portion. The separated portion defines with a point of tangency thereof with the coil and the coil itself a separation zone. The coil is mounted on a mandrel in a predetermined position. The strip uncoiling device adjacent predetermined position continuously peels the separated portion from the coil during the uncoiling operation, and has a frame. A movable threading table is disposed adjacent the frame and has a delivery end portion and a separation zone portion. A first lever member is pivoted on the frame and on the delivery end portion. A second lever member is pivoted on the frame and on the separation zone portion. A link member pivotally connects the first lever member and the second lever member. Peeling means are on the movable threading table, are insertable into the separation zone and receive the separated portion thereon. Positioning means are slidably mounted on the movable threading table adjacent the separation zone portion a predetermined distance from the peeling means away from the separated portion and are engageable with the coil adjacent the separation zone to maintain clearance between the peeling means and the coil thereby preventing the peeling means from marring the coil.

United States Patent [1 1 Feller et al.

[ July 17, 1973 [51] B2lc 47/18 [58] Field of Search 226/5, 9i; 242/78.6, 242/787, 78.8

[56 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,451,237 6/1969 Baringer 242/78.8 X 3,635,417 l/l972 Kajiwara 242/78.8

Primary ExaminerRichard A. Schacher Attorney-Robert J. Leek, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A strip uncoiling device for a strip formed in a coil and having a separated portion. The separated portion defines with a point of tangency thereof with the coil and the coil itself a separation zone. The coil is mounted on a mandrel in a predetermined position.

The strip uncoiling device adjacent predetermined position continuously peels the separated portion from the coil during the uncoiling operation, and has a frame. A movable threading table is disposed adjacent the frame and has a delivery end portion and a separation zone portion. A first lever member is pivoted on the frame and on the delivery end portion. A second lever member is pivoted on the frame and on the separation zone portion. A link member pivotally connects the first lever member and the second lever member. Peeling means are on the movable threading table, are insertable into the separation zone and receive the separated portion thereon. Positioning means are slidably mounted on the movable threading table adjacent the separation zone portion a predetermined distance from the peeling means away from the separated portion and are engageable with the coil adjacent the separation zone to maintain clearance between the peeling means and the coil thereby preventing the peeling means from marring the coil.

14 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented July 17, 1973 3,746,229

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS.

RAYMOND L. FELLL'R 8 DAVID W FRANKL/IV y Ar forney Patented July 17, 1973 4 Sheets-Sheet //v VENITORS. RAYMOND L. FELLER a DA v10 w FRANKLIN l/lllll lllllllllllllllllll ll I Attorney Patented July 17, 1973 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 STRIP UNCOILING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heretofore, grain oriented silicon product is heated to a temperature of 2,075 F in electric fired box annealing furnaces. In order to reduce the welding effect of concentric strip wraps at this elevated heat treating temperature, a coating of magnesuim oxide is applied at the Continuous Annealing Line prior to box annealing.

Following box annealing the magnesuim oxide coating is removed from the strip on a coil cleaning line. The coils delivered to the line are loosely wrapped as a result of expansion at the high annealing temperature. As the product is fed into the unit, the strip tension tends to pull up the looseness in the coil. Since sticking of coil wraps still occur despite the protective coating, the tension causes one wrap to fold back on the next, creasing the strip so severely that the product is unsuitable f or customer use.

Coil opening devices and auxiliary preparation equipment used to break the coil set in carbon steel coils are common apparatus. These facilities are used to prepare the leading strip end and are then retracted once the processing begins. Due to the high annealing temperature, silicon coils provide a more difficult problembecause of the presence of coil wraps sticking throughout the coil. The occurrence of these stickers therefore requires some means of continuously stripping the outside wrap away from coil. If the strip is not broken away from the coil on that line tangent to the first passline roll and the surface of the coil product, a crease across the strip width will result.

Conventional coil stripping devices are of the type shown in the following patents:

US. Pat. No. Inventor Issued Class 2,266,067 Wyberg 12/16/41 242-78 2,329,832 Fouse 9/21/43 242-78 3,010,672 Cecil, .Ir. 1 l/28/6l 242-78.8 3,343,762 Ungerer 9/26/67 242-786 3,368,770 O'Brien 2/l3/68 242-79 3,46 l ,703 Ranney 8/l9l69 72- l 83 OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is the general object of this invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difiiculties of and objections to prior art practices by the provision of an improved strip uncoiling device which:

a. continuously peels the separated portion of a strip, formed into a coil, from the coil during the strip uncoiling operations;

b. doesnt mar the coil during the strip uncoiling operation;

c. causes its positioning means to continuously engage the coil during the strip uncoiling operation;

d. minimizes the distance between its peeling means and the point of tangency of the separated portion with the coil during the strip uncoiling operation;

e. is simple and rugged in construction and has a long maintenance free operational life; and

f. threads the head end of the separated portion into guide rolls or tension rolls.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aforesaid objects of this invention, and other objects which will become apparent as the description proceeds, are achieved by providing an improved strip uncoiling device for a strip formed in a coil and having a separated portion defining with a point of tangency with the coil and the coil itself a separation zone. The coil is mounted on a mandrel in a predetermined position and the strip uncoiling device is adjacent the predetermined position for continuously peeling the separated portion from the coil during the uncoiling operation. The strip uncoiling device has a frame, and a movable threading table disposed adjacent one frame and having a delivery end portion and a separation zone portion. A first lever member is pivoted on the frame and on the delivery end portion. A second lever member is pivoted on the frame and on the separation zone portion. A link member pivotally connects the first lever member and said second lever member. Peeling means are on the movable threading table, are insert- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of this invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals of reference indicate similar parts through the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the improved strip uncoiling device having a portion of the top of the movable threading table broken away to show the details of the positioning means and peeling means and the removal of the separated portion from the top of the coil;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows and showing two second drive means for brevity in the same Figure; namely, the fluid cylinder and spring;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the movable threading table showing an alternative first drive means in the form of a spring and a hook means on the movable threading table;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the second drive means showing an alternative embodiment including a gear and rack means; and

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 on a smaller scale of an alternative embodiment wherein-the separated portion is removed from the bottom of the coil.

Although the principles of this invention are broadly applicable to the uncoiling of a strip from a coil, this invention is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with an improved uncoiling device for peeling the strip from the coil, and hence it has been so illustratedand and will be so described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With specific reference to the form of this invention illustrated in the drawings and referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, an improved strip uncoiling device is indicatcd generally by the reference numeral 10.

This strip uncoiling device 10 is employed with a strip 12 (FIG. 2) formed into a coil 14 (FIG. 2). Such strip 12 has a separated portion 16 (FIG. 2) which separated portion 16 defines with a point of tangency, for example, T through T (FIG. 2) with the coil 14 and the coil 14 itself a separation zone Z, (FIG. 2). The coil 14 is mounted on a hydraulically expandable mandrel 18 (FIG. 2) in a predetermined position indicated in FIG. 2. The improved strip uncoiling device continuously peels the separated portion 16 from the coil 14 during the entire uncoiling operation.

STRIP UNCOILING DEVICE 10 The strip uncoiling device 10 has a frame 20 (FIGS. 1,2) upstanding from a floor or foundation 22 (FIG. 2). A movable threading table 24 (FIGS. 1,2) is disposed adjacent the frame 20 and is provided with a delivery end portion 26 (FIG. 2) and a separation zone portion 28 (FIG. 2). First lever members, suitably a pair of opposed levers 30 (FIGS. 1,2) on either side of the frame 20, are pivoted at 32 (FIGS. 1,2) on the frame 20 and at 34 (FIGS. 1,2) on the delivery end portion 26 of the movable threading table 24. Second lever members, suitably a pair of opposed levers 36, on opposite sides of the frame 20 are pivoted at 38 (FIG. 2) on the frame 20 and at 40 (FIGS. 1,2) on the separation zone portion 28 of the movable threading table 24.

For the purpose of integrating the above described linkage and maintaining smooth movement of the movable threading table 24, link members, suitably a pair of opposed links 42 (FIG. 2), are pivotally connected with a first lever member 30 at 44 (FIG. 2) and with a second lever member 36 at 46 (FIG. 2).

FEELING MEANS 48 Peeling means, suitably a plurality of stationary peeling fingers 48 (in this case, six are shown in FIG. 1) are mounted adjacent the separation zone portion 28 of the movable threading table 24, as by bolts, screws, or the I 7 like 50 (FIG. 2) with the top surfaces thereof 51 (FIG.

2) coincident with the top surface 52 (FIG. 2) of the movable threading table 24. As hereinafter described, thepeeling fingers 48 are insertable into the separation zone Z, and thread the separated portion 16 of the strip 12 on their top surfaces 51 onto the upper surface 52 of such movable threading table 24.

As shown particularly in FIG. 2, the separated portion 16 is guided by means of the top surfaces 51 of peeling fingers 48 and the top surface 52 of the movable threading table 24 into the bite of a pair of rolls 54 and 56. These rolls 54,56 may be either guide rolls or tension rolls for either guiding or tensioning the separated portion 16, as desired, in the operation of the apparatus.

POSITIONING MEANS 58, 60

Positioning means, such as a plurality of two short lengthed outer rolls 58 (FIG. I) and a longer central roll 60 (FIG. 1) are mounted on the shaft or pivot 40. The shaft 40 is journaled in slide rods 64 (FIG. 1) slidably mounted on opposite sides of the frame 20 in a pair of bearing'blocks 66 (FIGS. 1,2), which bearing blocks 66 are affixed as by screws, bolts, or the like 68 (FIG. 1) to the sides of the frame 20. The shaft 40 is also journaled in side arms 70 (FIGS. 1,2)of a rod head 72, which rod head 72 will be explained in detail later.

Such positioning means or rollers 58,60 are slidably mounted in this matter on the movable threading table 24 adjacent the separation zone portion 28 of the movable threading table 24 a predetermined distance D, (FIG. 2) from the peeling fingers 48 away from the separated portion 16 of the strip 12. The positioning means or rollers 58,60 are engageable with the coil 14 adjacent such separation zone Z, to maintain a clear ance distance D (FIG. 2) between the peeling fingers 48 and the coil 14 thereby preventing the peeling fingers 48 from marring the coil 14 during the strip uncoiling operation.

The movable threading table 24 is movable on the first lever members 30, the second lever members 36 and the link members 42 as the separated portion 16 of the strip 12 is removed from the coil 14 from the solid line upper coil loading position (FIG. 2) to the final dotted line lower position (FIG. 2) so that the positioning rollers 58,60 continuously engage the coil 14 during the uncoiling operation and so that the point of tangency moves along the line L, (FIG. 2) through the successive points of tangency T through T (FIG. 2); the peeling fingers 48 continuously peel off the separated portion 16 from the coil 14 without marring the coil 14 during the uncoiling operation; and the peeling fingers 48 minimize the distance D (FIG. 2) between the ends of the peeling fingers 48 and the point of tangency such as, for example, the point T (FIG. 2).

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strip un coiling device 10 is operable by means of its own weight (i.e., the force of gravity) to maintain the posi- -tioning rolls 58,60 in contact with the coil 14. However, a first drive means 74 (FIGS. 1,2) for this purpose, may be provided on the movable threading table 24.

FIRST DRIVE MEANS 74 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first drive means 74 is connected to the positioning rollers 58,60 for maintaining the positioning rollers 58,60 in positive contact with the coil 14. Such first drive means 74 has the roll head 72 (FIG. 1) connected to a piston 76 (FIGS. 1,2) of a fluid cylinder 78. The left-hand end of the fluid cylinder 78 is mounted on the. pivot 34 between the first lever members 30 and the delivery end 26 of the movable threading table 24. This pivot 34 is suitably a rod mounted in brackets 80 (FIG. 1) projecting inwardly of the table, 24. When the fluid pressure enters the left hand aperture 82 as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, of the fluid cylinder 78 (as indicated by the solid line arrow) such fluid cylinder 78 applies positive pressure to the slidably mounted positioning rolls 58,60 so that such rolls 58, 60 positively engage the coil 14.

In addition, the strip uncoiling device 10 may be provided with a second drive means 84 (FIG. 2) for also maintaining the positioning rolls 58, 60 in contact with the coil 14 and for moving the movable threading table 24 between its final position shown in dotted lines in the lower right hand portion of FIG. 2 (resting against the mandrel l8) and its coil loading position shown in the solid line upper position of FIG. 2.

SECOND DRIVE MEANS 84 This second drive means 84 is suitably a fluid cylinder 86 (FIG. 2) pivoted at 88 (FIG. 2) on the frame 20 of the strip uncoiling device 10 and having its piston 90 pivotally connected at 91 to one member of a first lever member 30, a second lever member 36, or the link member 42, in this case, the second lever member 36. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that either one or two opposed fluid cylinders 86 may be employed with the strip uncoiling device 10.

When the second drive means 84 is employed to maintain the positioning rolls 58,60 in contact with the coil 14, fluid pressure enters an aperture 92 in the fluid cylinder 86 in the direction of the solid arrow. When, on the other hand, the second drive means 84 is employed for moving the movable threading table 24 between its final dotted line position shown in FIG. 2 adjacent the mandrel l8 and its coil loading position shown in the upper solid line portion of FIG. 2, fluid pressure enters an aperture 94 in the fluid cylinder 86 as indicated by the dotted line arrow.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS It will be understood by those skilled in the art that alternatively as shown in FIG. 3, the first drive means 74 may consist of a compression spring 96 having its left hand end affixed to a stationary plate 98 and its right hand end bearing against a slide plate 100 having its piston 102 connected to the rod head 72.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the second drive means 84 may be a tension spring 104 extending from one member of the first lever members 30, the second lever members 36 or the link members 42 (in this case, from the second lever member 36 at 106) to a connection 108 on the floor or foundation 22.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second drive means 84 may have a rack 110 pivoted at 112 on one of the above described members 30,36 or 42 (in this case, the second lever member 36). The rack 110 is slidable in a slide guide 1 l4 upstanding from the frame 20 of the strip uncoiling device 10. Such rack l is engageable by a pinion gear 116 driven by means of a shaft 118 and a motor 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the motor 120 is mounted by means of a bracket 122, as by welding or the like, on the slide guide 114.

It will be also understood by those skilled in the art that the first drive means 74,74 described with respect to FIGS. l-3, may also be replaced by a rack and pinion means (not shown) but similar to the rack and pinion means of FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, the separated portion 16 of the strip 12 is taken off the bottom of the coil 14 and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in this embodiment the movable threading table 24 is returned to its down coil loading position by its own weight and the forces of gravity.

As shown in FIG. 3, the movable threading table 24 may be provided with a hook means, such as a hook 124 or the like, and such movable threading table 24 may be returned to its coil loading position (the solid line upper position shown in FIG. 2 by a return means, such as a crane, hoist, or the like, connected to the hook 124.

In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the plurality of peeling fingers 48 (FIGS. l 3) may be replaced by an integrated solid member (not shown) extending across the right hand end or separation zone portion 28 of the movable threading table 24.

SUMMARY OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the objects of this invention have been achieved by providing an improved uncoiling device 10 which device 10 continuously peels the separated portion 16 of the strip 12 from the coil 14 during the strip uncoiling operation; doesnt mar the coil 14 during the strip uncoiling operation; causes the positioning rolls 58,60 to continuously positively engage the coil 14 during the strip uncoiling operation; minimizes the distance D (FIG. 2) between the peeling fingers 48 and a point of tangency, such as T through T of the separated portion 16 with the coil 14 during the strip uncoiling operation; is simple and rugged in construction; has a long maintenance free operational life; and threads the head end of the separated portion 16 into guide rolls or tension rolls 54,56.

While in accordance with the patent statutes, preferred and alternative embodiments of this invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be particularly understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.

We claim:

1. For a strip formed in a coil and having a separated portion defining with a point of tangency with said coil and said coil itself a separation zone, said coil being mounted on a mandrel in a predetermined position, a strip uncoiling device adjacent said predetermined position for continuously peeling said separated portion from said coil during the uncoiling operation, said strip uncoiling device having:

a. a frame;

b. a movable threading table disposed adjacent said frame and having a delivery end portion and a separation zone portion;

c. a first lever member pivoted on said frame and on said delivery end portion;

(1. a second lever member pivoted on said frame and on said separation zone portion;

e. a link member pivotally connecting said first lever member and said second lever member;

f. peeling means on said movable threading table, in-

sertable into said separation zone and for receiving said separated portion thereon; and

g. positioning means slidably mounted on said movable threading table adjacent said separation zone portion a predetermined distance from said peeling means away from said separated portion and engageable with said coil adjacent said separation zone to maintain clearance between said peeling means and said coil thereby preventing said peeling means from marring said coil;

h. said movable threading table being movable on said first lever member, said second lever member and said link member, as said separated portion is removed from said coil, so that:

I. said positioning means continuously engage said coil during said uncoiling operation,

2. said peeling means-continuously peels off said separated portion from said coil without marring said coil during said uncoiling operation, and

3. said peeling means minimizes the distance between said peeling means and said point of tangency.

2. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim I wherein said movable threading table is movable by gravity.

3. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 and having a first drive means on said movable threading table and connected to said positioning means for maintaining said positioning means in contact with said coil.

4. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 3 wherein said first drive means is a fluid cylinder.

5. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 3 wherein said first drive means is a first spring drive means.

6. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 3 wherein said first drive means is a rack and pinion means.

7. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 and having a second drive means connected to one member of said first member, said second lever member and said link member and for maintaining said positioning means in contact with said coil and for moving said movable threading table between its final position and its coil loading position.

8. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 7 wherein said second drive means is a fluid cylinder.

9. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 7 wherein said second drive means is a second spring drive means.

10. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 7 wherein said second drive means is a rack and pinion means.

11. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim I wherein said strip uncoiling device has hook means and said movable threading table is returned to its coil loading position by return means connected to said hook means.

12. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said movable threading table is returned to its coil loading position by gravity.

13. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said peeling means is a solid member.

14. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said peeling means has a plurality of finger 

1. For a strip formed in a coil and having a separated portion defining with a point of tangency with said coil and said coil itself a separation zone, said coil being mounted on a mandrel in a predetermined position, a strip uncoiling device adjacent said predetermined position for continuously peeling said separated portion from said coil during the uncoiling operation, said strip uncoiling device having: a. a frame; b. a movable threading table disposed adjacent said frame and having a delivery end portion and a separation zone portion; c. a first lever member pivoted on said fRame and on said delivery end portion; d. a second lever member pivoted on said frame and on said separation zone portion; e. a link member pivotally connecting said first lever member and said second lever member; f. peeling means on said movable threading table, insertable into said separation zone and for receiving said separated portion thereon; and g. positioning means slidably mounted on said movable threading table adjacent said separation zone portion a predetermined distance from said peeling means away from said separated portion and engageable with said coil adjacent said separation zone to maintain clearance between said peeling means and said coil thereby preventing said peeling means from marring said coil; h. said movable threading table being movable on said first lever member, said second lever member and said link member, as said separated portion is removed from said coil, so that:
 1. said positioning means continuously engage said coil during said uncoiling operation,
 2. said peeling means continuously peels off said separated portion from said coil without marring said coil during said uncoiling operation, and
 3. said peeling means minimizes the distance between said peeling means and said point of tangency.
 2. said peeling means continuously peels off said separated portion from said coil without marring said coil during said uncoiling operation, and
 2. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said movable threading table is movable by gravity.
 3. said peeling means minimizes the distance between said peeling means and said point of tangency.
 3. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 and having a first drive means on said movable threading table and connected to said positioning means for maintaining said positioning means in contact with said coil.
 4. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 3 wherein said first drive means is a fluid cylinder.
 5. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 3 wherein said first drive means is a first spring drive means.
 6. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 3 wherein said first drive means is a rack and pinion means.
 7. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 and having a second drive means connected to one member of said first member, said second lever member and said link member and for maintaining said positioning means in contact with said coil and for moving said movable threading table between its final position and its coil loading position.
 8. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 7 wherein said second drive means is a fluid cylinder.
 9. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 7 wherein said second drive means is a second spring drive means.
 10. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 7 wherein said second drive means is a rack and pinion means.
 11. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said strip uncoiling device has hook means and said movable threading table is returned to its coil loading position by return means connected to said hook means.
 12. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said movable threading table is returned to its coil loading position by gravity.
 13. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said peeling means is a solid member.
 14. The strip uncoiling device recited in claim 1 wherein said peeling means has a plurality of finger members. 